London fashion week: Designers' unusual influences

Vivienne Westwood's Red Label show was held at the Royal Courts of Justice
Photograph: Geoff Caddick/AFP/Getty Images

It was a wonderful riot of clashing colours and patterns, with mannish overtones
Photograph: Matt Crossick/Empics Entertainment

Apparently, the collection was inspired by women 'who enjoy art and culture'. As culture vultures ourselves, we spotted the influence of the Bride of Frankenstein ...
Photograph: Jonathan Brady/Geoff Caddick/EPA/AFP/Getty Images

This is not the first yellow tights/Mary Jane combo we've seen on the catwalks this season. Shoppers, you have been warned
Photograph: Jonathan Brady/EPA

Julien Macdonald is a rare example of a designer whose clothes actually correspond to his stated inspiration. This collection, inexplicably, was based on Jilly Cooper's Riders. We kid you not
Photograph: Alastair Grant/AP

Apparently, the designer is hoping the clothes will be bought as workwear, which begs the obvious question: just what job does the Julien Macdonald woman do?
Photograph: Alastair Grant/AP

Matthew Williamson's show was inspired by Spain and the culture of the matador. The designer mixed some more grown-up pieces in with his usual party dresses
Photograph: Geoff Caddick/AFP/Getty Images

But this dress shows what he does best
Photograph: Zak Hussein/PA

Betty Jackson employed a gorgeous blue and gold colour palette
Photograph: Stuart Wilson/Getty Images

Watch our video featuring an interview with the designer and footage from her show here
Photograph: Zak Hussein/PA

Richard Nicoll showed a rather edgy collection
Photograph: Ian Gavan/Getty Images

There were plenty of bustier tops, velvet skirts and chiffon 'hoods'
Photograph: Yui Mok/PA

Jasper Conran livened up a rather muted fashion week with some bright primary colours
Photograph: Jonathan Hordle/Rex Features

His sculptural hairdos also contrasted with the more underdone looks seen on many other catwalks
Photograph: Yui Mok/PA